Shifting Gears in the Volunteer State: The Hidden Feature Tennessee Drivers Are Missing Out On

As Tennessee drivers navigate from the bustling streets of Nashville to the scenic routes of the Smoky Mountains, many are overlooking a feature in their vehicles that could enhance their driving experience. Manual shift mode, available in numerous automatic transmission vehicles, remains a mystery to an estimated 30-40% of drivers who have it at their fingertips.

Let James Media put your business in-front of this community-CLICK

TENNESSEE METRO CITY GUIDE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY - ARE YOU LISTED?

TENNESSEE EVENTS

TENNESSEE CLASSIFIEDS

GET MORE TRAFFIC TO YOUR LOCAL

BUSINESS

YOUR TN BUSINESS DESERVES MORE FOCUS

GET MORE ATTENTION IN TENNESSEE!

DISCUSS THIS AND OTHER TOPICS IN OUR TENNESSEE FORUM COMMUNITY

View/Post Tennessee Jobs

Calling all Tennessee small business owners!

But how can you tell if your car has this feature? Here's what to look for:

The Gear Shift: Check for a "+/-" sign or an "M" (for Manual) next to your regular PRND (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) indicator. This is often located on the gear shift itself or on the display panel.

Paddle Shifters: Look for small levers behind your steering wheel, typically on both sides. These paddle shifters allow you to shift gears without taking your hands off the wheel.

Sport Mode: Some vehicles have a separate "Sport" or "S" mode on the gear shifter. This often enables manual shifting capabilities.

Gear Display: When in manual mode, your dashboard may show the current gear number instead of just "D" for drive.

Owner's Manual: If you're unsure, consult your vehicle's manual. It will detail any manual shift features your car may have.

Manual shift mode, also known as "sport mode," allows drivers to have more control over gear shifting while still using an automatic transmission. Here's how it typically works:

You can manually select gears using the paddle shifters or by moving the gear selector up (+) to upshift or down (-) to downshift.

The car's computer still manages the actual shifting process but follows your input more closely than in fully automatic mode.

Many systems automatically adjust engine speed to match the selected gear, ensuring smooth shifts.

Built-in safeguards prevent shifts that could damage the engine.

While exact figures are elusive, it's estimated that 40-50% of new cars sold in Tennessee offer some form of manual shift mode. This feature is common across various vehicle types popular in the Volunteer State, including:

Mid-size sedans: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu

Pickup trucks: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado

Luxury vehicles: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4

SUVs: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Full-size sedans: Dodge Charger

Despite its availability, many Tennessee drivers remain unaware of this feature or how to use it effectively. This lack of awareness can be attributed to inadequate explanation during vehicle purchase, complexity of modern interfaces, and the perception that manual shifting is only for performance driving.

However, understanding and utilizing manual shift mode can offer several benefits:

Improved control in adverse weather conditions, particularly useful during Tennessee's varied climate.

Better engine braking on steep descents, helpful when navigating the state's mountainous regions.

Enhanced towing performance, beneficial for those hauling boats to Tennessee's numerous lakes.

A more engaging driving experience on winding roads, perfect for enjoying scenic routes like the Natchez Trace Parkway.

To use manual mode, typically you'll move your gear shift to "M" or "S", or pull a paddle shifter while in drive. Then use the +/- on the gear shift or the paddle shifters to change gears. Remember, the car will still protect the engine from over-revving or stalling.

For Tennessee drivers looking to get more out of their vehicles, exploring the manual shift mode could open up a new dimension of driving. Whether you're commuting in Knoxville, cruising through the Cumberland Plateau, or towing a trailer to Reelfoot Lake, this often-overlooked feature might just enhance your driving experience.

So, next time you're behind the wheel, take a moment to check if your car has this hidden feature. You might discover a new way to connect with Tennessee's diverse landscapes and make your daily drive a bit more engaging. After all, in the Volunteer State, it's all about embracing new opportunities – even when they're right at your fingertips.

Image by René Schindler from Pixabay

##

*ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: EACH ARTICLE IS LINKED TO OUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY FOR THAT LOCAL AREA! ARE YOU LISTED? DON'T MISS OUT ON GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE. GET LISTED TODAY!